Sen. Cynthia Creem

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits gas and electric companies regulated by the department from charging customers (ratepayers) for specific non-essential expenses. It bans recovery of costs related to promotional advertising (like encouraging service use), political advertising, lobbying, charitable contributions, executive perks (travel, gifts), and certain other activities. Companies must annually report all prohibited expenses to the department and cannot recover the cost of preparing these reports. Violations trigger non-recoverable penalties, refunds to customers, and potential rebates for ratepayers. The bill directly affects regulated utilities and aims to prevent customer funds from subsidizing activities unrelated to core service delivery.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts gas companies to evaluate non-gas alternatives (like electrification) before expanding or replacing gas infrastructure. It prohibits gas companies from recovering costs for new gas projects unless they prove alternatives were considered and found unfeasible, and mandates a gradual shift in spending away from gas infrastructure replacement toward clean thermal energy projects by 2035. Gas and electric utilities must jointly create 5-year "tactical transition plans" to reduce emissions while maintaining affordability, including retiring gas pipes and installing clean energy systems. The bill also bans hydrogen injection into residential gas systems (except for specific industrial uses) and requires utilities to share costs for transitioning buildings to non-gas thermal energy. These changes directly affect gas utility companies, building owners, and ratepayers through their energy infrastructure and costs.

By Ms. Creem, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2120) of Cynthia Stone Creem for legislation to remove the term hearing impaired from the general laws. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

By Ms. Creem, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1941) of Cynthia Stone Creem for legislation to establish a highway use tax for heavy trucks. Revenue.

Senate, September 25, 2025 -- Text of the Senate Bill establishing the Massachusetts data privacy act (being the text of Senate document 2608, printed as amended)

Maddy summaryThis bill sets a maximum age limit for new police officer appointments in Newton, Massachusetts. It prohibits applicants who are 40 or older on the exam date from being certified for initial police officer positions, with one exception: veterans receive credit for active military service (capped at 4 years) to offset the age limit. The law directly affects individuals applying for their first police officer role in Newton. It takes effect immediately upon passage.

By Mr. Brownsberger, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2976) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of William N. Brownsberger, Cindy F. Friedman, Pavel M. Payano, Cynthia Stone Creem and other members of the Senate for legislation relative to violations of the United States Constitution under color of law. The Judiciary.

Senate, March 9, 2026 -- The committee on Municipalities and Regional Government to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2894) of Cynthia Stone Creem, Greg Schwartz and John J. Lawn, Jr. (with approval of the mayor and city council) for legislation to authorize print-free digital legal notices in the city of Newton, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 3004).

Maddy summaryThis bill (SD 761) requires pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to maintain fair and accessible pharmacy networks for patients, directly affecting PBMs, health insurers, and community pharmacies. It prohibits "steering" (directing prescriptions to owned/affiliated pharmacies) and mandates that PBMs provide networks with convenient access to physical pharmacies near patients' homes, excluding mail-order options from adequacy calculations. Violating these rules triggers a 10% surcharge on the PBM's prior year's pharmacy reimbursements, payable to the state division. The law aims to prevent anti-competitive practices that limit patient choice and access to local pharmacies.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the town of Brookline to create its own zoning rules focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving energy efficiency in buildings. It directly affects Brookline residents, property owners, and developers by enabling local regulations on building materials, solar systems, heating/cooling equipment, and utility connections (like electric vehicle charging). Key provisions protect these local rules from being blocked by the state Attorney General, covering areas like emissions from construction, building energy use, and renewable energy infrastructure. The bill specifically authorizes Brookline to implement measures addressing climate impacts through zoning, without conflicting with state building codes or utility regulations.